The massive success of Barbie feels like a distant memory now, with 2023’s other blockbusters like Inside Out 2, Deadpool & Wolverine, Wicked, and Moana 2 dominating the spotlight. But let’s not forget that Mattel and Greta Gerwig’s satirical hit became the highest-grossing film of 2023, earning $1.45 billion worldwide and even winning an Oscar for Best Original Song. With that level of acclaim, a sequel seems inevitable—or does it?
Gerwig previously dismissed the idea of a sequel, stating that it would only happen if she and her husband and creative partner, Noah Baumbach, came up with a compelling idea worth exploring. Well, it seems they may have done just that. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the duo is reportedly in the early stages of developing Barbie 2.
While the project is still in its infancy, discussions with Warner Bros., the studio behind the first film, have already begun. However, when contacted, representatives for the filmmakers denied the report, calling it "baseless," and a Warner spokesperson labeled the claims "inaccurate."
So for now, we’re left with “it seems” Barbie 2 is happening. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Gerwig and Baumbach may simply be brainstorming and pitching ideas to each other while negotiating with studios. Whether this materializes into a sequel is yet to be seen, but chances are, it will—it’s just a matter of when.